How to Transfer Contacts from Android to iOS
Making the jump from Android to iOS? Transfer every contact with a free 6-digit PIN. No Move to iOS restrictions, no cables, done in under 2 minutes.
The shift from Android to iOS is one of the biggest decisions a smartphone user makes, and the contact transfer is often the first and most important step. Apple's own solution is literally called "Move to iOS," but despite the name, it comes with serious limitations that catch many people off guard. It only works during the initial iOS device setup, requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network, and can fail due to Wi-Fi interruptions or insufficient storage.
Many people discover these limitations only after they have already set up their new iOS device. At that point, the options narrow to Google account sync — which only covers contacts stored in Google and requires adding a Google account to your iOS device — or the tedious vCard export-and-import process that requires a computer and comfort with file management.
Transfer Contacts was built specifically for this scenario. It works at any time, whether your iOS device is brand new or has been in use for months. Install the free app on your Android phone and your iOS device, select contacts on Android, share the 6-digit PIN, and enter it on your iOS device. Every contact arrives intact with all fields preserved. No setup restrictions, no Wi-Fi pairing issues, no file juggling.
Step-by-Step: Transfer Contacts from Android to iOS
Download Transfer Contacts on Your Android
Install the free Transfer Contacts app from the Google Play Store. It takes about 30 seconds to download and doesn't require creating an account.
Select the Contacts You Want to Transfer
Open Transfer Contacts and tap "Send". The app shows your entire contact list. Tap individual contacts to select them, or use "Select All" to grab everything.
Tap "Send to Device" to Get Your PIN
After selecting your contacts, tap "Send to Device". The app generates a unique 6-digit PIN and a QR code. This PIN is valid for 60 minutes. Share it with the person (or device) receiving the contacts.
Download Transfer Contacts on Your iPhone
On the receiving iPhone, install the free Transfer Contacts app from the App Store.
Enter the 6-Digit PIN
Open Transfer Contacts on the iPhone and tap "Receive". Enter the 6-digit PIN shown on the sending phone. You can also scan the QR code if both phones are nearby.
Enter the 6-digit PIN shown on the sender's device
Done! Contacts Transferred
Your contacts appear instantly on the iPhone. All details are preserved — names, phone numbers, email addresses, birthdays, addresses, and notes. Open your Contacts app to verify everything is there.
Other Ways to Transfer Contacts from Android to iPhone
Here are the alternative methods and why Transfer Contacts is simpler.
Move to iOS (Apple)
Official Apple solution, transfers contacts along with other data
Only works during initial iOS setup. Must be on same Wi-Fi. Frequently fails with connection errors. Cannot be used after setup without factory reset.
Google Account Sync
Seamless if all contacts are already in Google
Requires signing into Google on your iOS device. Only syncs Google-stored contacts. SIM and locally stored contacts are missed.
vCard File Transfer
Universal contact format, works across all platforms
Requires exporting from Android or Google Contacts web, emailing the file, and importing on iOS. Cumbersome and error-prone.
How Transfer Contacts Compares
| Method | Speed | Ease of Use | Cross-Platform | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Contacts App | Under 2 min | Very Easy | Yes | Yes |
| Move to iOS (Apple) | Varies | Complex | Limited | Varies |
| Google Account Sync | Varies | Complex | Limited | Varies |
| vCard File Transfer | Varies | Complex | Limited | Varies |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is transferring contacts from Android to iOS the same as Android to iPhone?
Can I use Transfer Contacts after I already set up my iOS device?
Does the transfer work over cellular data or only Wi-Fi?
Will the transfer include contacts from all my Android accounts?
Related Guides
Ready to Transfer Your Contacts from Android to iPhone?
Download the free app and get started in under 2 minutes.